The Cooper Koo Family YMCA
In May 2016, we opened the Cooper Koo Family YMCA: an 82,000 square-foot Centre of Community in the heart of the Canary District. This emerging neighbourhood is home to a rapidly growing population — and social infrastructure hasn’t kept pace.
The Y brings needed support, including exercise opportunities that build mental health, community spaces, day camps, youth leadership opportunities, newcomer settlement services, and family programs.
Expanding access to critical supports
The Cooper Koo Family YMCA, located at 461 Cherry Street, is a legacy building from the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. Developed in partnership with Waterfront Toronto, Infrastructure Ontario, and the Province of Ontario, this YMCA Centre of Community was brought to life by a transformational gift from Michael Cooper and Krystal Koo.
Thanks to their generous support, people of all ages and abilities can access essential services and find a sense of inclusion and belonging. The Cooper Koo Family YMCA is now drawing kids, teens, adults, and families into local networks that will help build this neighbourhood into a vibrant community.
Dazzling support from true community builders
Krystal has long viewed the YMCA of Greater Toronto as an “amazing and welcoming” charity. As a teenager, she spent her spare time at the Scarborough Y, where she eventually began giving back by volunteering in children’s afterschool programs. Years later, Krystal and her husband Michael would take community development to a whole new level.
“We decided to support because we believe — and now have witnessed — the good the YMCA can do for the communities they are located in and the people who they help,” says Krystal.
Krystal and Michael’s favourite thing about the Y is that “it is a true hub for the community” — a place where people come together to build new relationships and strengthen old ones.
Their advice to those interested in making a difference? Support the Y if you “want to give back to a charity that believes in the well-being of people and moving communities forward.”
What makes the Y special
The Y helps people grow strong — physically, mentally, and socially — thanks to:
- An inclusive environment that's accessible for people of all incomes, with support from our financial assistance program.
- Children’s programming that builds a foundation for physical fitness that will last a lifetime by helping kids get active in a fun, safe setting.
- Volunteer opportunities that are especially popular with older adults, who find a sense of community and fulfillment from giving back.
- Family programming that supports healthy lifestyles while parents and children spend quality time together.
- Immigrant services that help newcomers find work, get education and training, improve their language skills, and find a sense of belonging in their new home.
- Programs that spark the potential in youth, including Teen Nights, Youth Leadership Development programs, and day camps.
Give today to help build a brighter future.
You can make a real difference in your community by donating to the Strong Start, Great Future Capital Campaign.
Make your donation online, or contact Tony diCosmo, Vice President, Campaign Giving to discuss your gift: